How to Buy the Right Forklift for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Forklifts

Overview

A forklift is a powerful and versatile tool that has countless industrial applications. They can be used for loading and unloading materials and goods, as well as moving them around a warehouse or other facility. The right forklift for your needs depends on a variety of factors, including budget, size requirements, and type of job. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of forklifts, their capabilities, and what to look for when shopping for one. Whether you're a business owner, warehouse manager, or simply need a ride-on forklift for occasional use, this guide will help you make the best decision for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size: What size of forklift do you need? Consider how much weight you need to lift, how high you need to reach, the size of the materials to be moved, and the amount of floor space you have available.
  2. Power Source: Do you need an electric or internal combustion-powered forklift? Electric-powered forklifts run on rechargeable batteries and are quieter, more energy efficient, and ideal for indoor use, while internal combustion-powered forklifts are better for outdoor use.
  3. Ease of Operation: Ensure the forklift is easy to control and maneuver, and that the operator can clearly see the load. Make sure the forklift has the necessary safety features for the operator.
  4. Durability: Consider the quality of the construction and the forklift’s ability to handle tough conditions. Make sure that the forklift is designed to last a long time.
  5. Maintenance: Be aware of the cost and time needed for regular maintenance and repairs. Evaluate the availability of spare parts and the costs associated with them.
  6. Price: Consider the cost of the forklift, including any additional features or peripherals you may need. Compare prices from different vendors and decide which is best for your needs.

See the most popular Forklifts on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Safety: Forklifts offer a steady platform for carrying and transporting large and heavy materials, making it a safer option than lifting and carrying materials by hand.
  • Efficiency: Forklifts make it easier to transport large and heavy materials quickly, making it a more efficient option than manually transporting materials.
  • Cost-Effective: Forklifts can help reduce labor costs, since fewer people are needed to move materials in a shorter amount of time.
  • Versatility: Forklifts can be used to transport a variety of materials, from pallets to boxes to crates.
  • Durability: Forklifts are designed for tough, rough conditions and typically last a long time with proper maintenance.

Cons

  • Costs Forklifts can be costly to purchase, operate, and maintain. If new, a forklift can cost upwards of several thousand dollars, depending on its size and other features. Additionally, there are ongoing costs such as fuel and maintenance.
  • Storage Requirements Forklifts can take up a large amount of space when not being used, and it may not be possible to keep them indoors due to their size.
  • Environmental Concerns Forklifts that run on fossil fuels can cause air pollution and other environmental damage.
  • Safety Risks Forklifts can be dangerous if not operated correctly and can cause serious injury or death if not handled properly.
  • Operator Requirements Forklifts require an experienced operator and often require specific licensing to be operated.

Best alternatives

  1. Pallet Jacks - Hydraulic jacks used to move pallets or heavy objects on a flat surface.
  2. Cherry Pickers - Aerial lifts, also known as boom lifts, that are made for working at height.
  3. Reach Forklifts - Forklifts with an extended reach that can access narrow areas.
  4. Order Pickers - Forklifts designed for moving products in warehouses or other storage facilities.
  5. Rough Terrain Forklifts - Forklifts designed to operate in outdoor environments or on rough terrain.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Forklift Buddy – A Forklift Buddy is a device that helps operators to quickly and safely access elevated work areas.
  • Forklift Seat Belt – A Forklift Seat Belt is designed to provide safety and security when using a forklift.
  • Forklift Warning Lights – Forklift Warning Lights are used to alert workers of approaching forklifts and other potential hazards.
  • Forklift Mirrors – Forklift Mirrors are used to allow operators to safely view behind and around the forklift while driving.
  • Forklift Horns – Forklift horns are used to alert workers of nearby forklifts.
  • Forklift Catch Nets – Forklift catch nets are designed to help protect workers from falling objects that may be carried by a forklift.
  • Forklift Battery Chargers – Forklift Battery Chargers are used to charge the batteries used to power the forklift.
  • Forklift Attachments – Forklift attachments are used to help with tasks such as lifting heavy objects, sorting, and loading.
  • Forklift Safety Harness – A Forklift Safety Harness is a type of personal protective equipment designed to help keep workers safe while operating a forklift.

Common questions

  1. What types of forklifts are available? Forklifts are typically divided into four main categories: counterbalance forklifts, reach forklifts, order pickers, and pallet jacks. Counterbalance forklifts are designed to carry heavy loads on a flat surface, reach forklifts are used to access higher shelves, order pickers are used for picking orders from shelves, and pallet jacks are used to move pallets of goods.
  2. What is the difference between electric and gasoline powered forklifts? Electric forklifts are powered by batteries, which makes them more environmentally friendly and quieter than gasoline models. However, electric forklifts have shorter run times and require longer charging times than gasoline forklifts. Gasoline forklifts are more powerful and have longer run times, but they are noisier and require more maintenance.
  3. How much do forklifts cost? Price can vary widely depending on the type of forklift, brand, capacity, and other features, but generally prices range from $5,000 to $15,000.
  4. What safety features are important to consider? When purchasing a forklift, it’s important to consider safety features such as tilt alarm, seat belt, light guards, and safety decals. It’s also important to check that the forklift has been properly inspected and maintained.
  5. Are there any additional costs associated with a forklift? Additional costs associated with a forklift include maintenance and service, fuel or electricity costs, and any repairs or replacements that may be necessary. It’s also important to consider any safety or operational training that may be required.

Trivia

A funny fact about forklifts is that they have been featured in a number of Hollywood movies. In 1983, the movie Flashdance featured a forklift as a prop in a climactic scene. More recently, the action movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Fast Five, featured an epic chase sequence involving a forklift. Additionally, the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story featured a scene in which a character is knocked over by a runaway forklift. This shows that even in the world of entertainment, forklifts have become a mainstay. Sources: https://www.toyotaforklift.com/blog/hollywood-love-affair-forklifts/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.